Our numerous yard shrubs had their annual spring haircuts earlier this month, trimmed and tapered like a fresh buzz at the barber.
And the lawn, unkempt after winter’s neglect, sighed with bliss as the rake exfoliated away its dry and lifeless undergrowth. Even the flower beds got a spa-like treatment — pampered and hydrated — ready to glow/grow in the coming season.
The whole yard, refreshed and revitalized, now waits — poised like a client stepping out of the salon — clean, polished, and ready to turn heads in the bright embrace of spring.
n
Chinle Cactus and Succulent Society’s meeting on Thursday will feature rock gardener Paul Spriggs talking about “Cracks and Crevices: The Art of Rock and Crevice Gardening.”
The meeting is at 6:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 536 Ouray Ave. Spriggs will “delve into all things rock and crevice gardening,” a news release said.
Spriggs has been rock gardening for roughly 27 years and building crevice gardens for about 20 years, the release said.
“He is an avid plant explorer, photographer, mountaineer, owner of Spriggs Gardens Landscaping company and past president of the Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine Garden Society.”
He co-authored with Kenton Seth the first North American book on crevice gardening, a how-to on making the perfect home for plants from rocky places, released in 2022.
Grand Junction Newcomers will host an ArmChair Travel presentation featuring Janice Shepherd sharing about her fourth trip to Thailand.
“From bustling markets to peaceful temples, experience the best of this captivating city’s culture, delicious food and stunning sights,” a news release said.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, at the Clifton Branch Library, 3270 D½ Road, in Clifton.
Grand Valley Audubon Society will host its March program on Monday, highlighting the urgent need for data to identify areas needing species protection and threat management.
Rich Alward will present “Conservation & Biodiversity Research Needs Citizen Naturalists,” explaining how more than 1 million species face the threat of extinction this century, largely due to accelerating climate change and habitat destruction.
Alward has a Ph.D. in Ecology and “has been enjoying and studying flora and fauna around the world since eating his first butterfly at the age of 3,” a news release said.
Social time is from 6:30–7 p.m., followed by poetry by Melinda Rich and the program, from 7–8 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27½ Road.
Citizen naturalists have responded to the need to collect data by contributing millions of species observations using phone apps and websites such as iNaturalist and eBird, the release said.
Supporting rez (reservation) dogs has never been easier — or more delicious!
Local fundraisers happening this month will support Underdog Animal Rescue & Rehab, in Moab, Utah, which provides lifesaving veterinary care, rescue and adoption services for animals on the Navajo Nation and at its ranch.
Fundraiser locations are:
Ale House, 2531 N. 12th St.: $1 from every draft of Irwin Brewing Co. beer sold will be donated.
Full Monty Liquors, 2695 Patterson Road: $1 from every six-pack of Irwin Brewing Co. beer sold will go directly to Underdog.
Carlson Vineyards locations: 10% of all Wren Quinn wine sales will support Underdog.
“Whether you’re a craft beer lover or a wine enthusiast, you can raise a glass and help us rescue and care for animals in need,” a news release said
Go to underdogrescuemoab.org for information.
Smart Driver courses are geared to drivers ages 55 and older to sharpen their driving skills and update them on new technology in cars and on the road.
April AARP Smart Driver courses take place:
9 a.m.–1 p.m., April 3, Mesa County Retired and Senior Volunteers, 422 White Ave., basement level, US Bank building. Call 970-319-0137 to register.
Noon–4 p.m. April 21, Western Slope Driving Institute, 2485 Patterson Road. Register online at aarp.org/findacourse or call 970-639-1958.
The March Veg Potluck is from noon–2 p.m. Sunday, at Meadowlark Garden, 2259 Broadway.
It’s a great opportunity to connect with others in the group — including those who are new to plant-based or vegan eating — and sample delicious plant-based dishes, a news release said. Bring a plant-based dish to serve at least eight people with a recipe card or list of ingredients (no meat, eggs, dairy or honey) and a serving utensil. Bring your own eating utensils, a reusable place setting and beverage.
There are no kitchen facilities at the venue and there is no cost to attend. Donations are appreciated to help cover facility fee. Email vegan.grandjunction@gmail.com for information or go to meetup.com/veggrandjunction/events to sign up.
Trail Life Brewing’s Grain for Good event March 31 will benefit the Eureka! McConnell Science Museum.
A portion of beer sales, between 5–8:30 p.m. at the brewery, 436 Main St., will be donated to the science center. Go to traillifebrewing.com for information.
Colorado Archaeological Society will meet from 6:30–8 p.m. March 26, at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way.
Metcalf Archaeology Project Director Arron Whittenburg will present “Communal Hunting in the Colorado High Country,” detailing the present findings from his master’s thesis about prehistoric sites above modern tree line in Colorado, built by hunter-gatherers to optimize hunting of large game.
“Learn how the ancients worked together to build complex stone features to coordinate a successful hunt during seasonal migrations,” a news release said.
The meeting is free with donations accepted.
HOPE of the Grand Valley was the recipient of $9,325, collected by The Guys Giving Club at its February meeting.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to The Guys Giving Club for their generous donation,” wrote Hope of the Grand Valley founder and president, Vicki McGee, in a news release.
“Our commitment to the community runs deep, especially for the parents who work tirelessly to support their children, often managing long hours or multiple jobs. These dedicated individuals embody the families we serve at HOPE of the Grand Valley,” she wrote.
Send community news and hair/yard styling tips to communitynews@gjsentinel.com or 734 S. Seventh St., Grand Junction, CO, 81501. Online calendar items can be uploaded at GJSentinel.com/local-events.
